5 Ways to Prevent Plumbing Problems

Plumbing is one of the most important systems in your house. When there is a problem with your pipes, you usually need to call a plumber to fix it. However, many of the plumbing problems that homeowners face are easily preventable. In fact, most plumbing problems are caused by bad habits. In Rehoboth, Delaware, our skilled plumbers are just a phone call away. However, you can avoid most house calls by following these tips.

Be Careful with DIY Plumbing Cleaners

In the last decade or so, research has shown that common plumbing cleaners can damage your pipes. As a result, many customers have switched to simpler and gentler DIY plumbing cleaners. While they help prevent damage to your pipes, it is possible to overuse these cleaners. Using any cleaner (DIY or otherwise) too often can wear down the walls of your pipes.

Keep in mind that cleaners are designed to strip stuck-on materials off your pipes. If there isn’t any dirt or debris to remove, the cleaner works on the pipe itself. DIY cleaners will eat through your pipes much more slowly than harsh chemicals, but they can eat through your pipes over time. To prevent damage, use all pipe cleaners sparingly.

Don’t Flush Any Flushable Wipes

While flushable wipes may seem like a great idea, they cause major problems for your plumbing. Flushable wipes are designed to break down in sewer systems when submerged in water. Unfortunately, this process is rather slow. That means that flushing a lot of wipes can clog your pipes and septic tank.

A clog in your septic tank can cause more than just a backup. It can lead to bacteria growth that ultimately ruins your tank and pipes. If this happens, you will need a skilled plumber to unclog the system. In particularly bad cases, your septic tank may need to be dug up and replaced.

Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease is another leading cause for drain clogs. While it may seem like it will just wash away, grease sticks to pipes like glue. It will coat the inside of your pipes making them sticky and bumpy. Every bump along the side of your pipe can cause water to slow down and can catch food particles. This type of clog will continue to get worse over time. Plus, it makes the diameter of your pipe smaller so that it is more likely to restrict water flow and pressure.

There are better ways of disposing of grease. Many people use old jars to collect it and dispose of it. Check with your local ordinances to see what the proper way of disposing of grease is in your township. Many towns have a designated drop-off location where you can dispose of it properly. Disposing of grease this way will greatly improve the longevity of your plumbing system.

Fix Minor Plumbing Problems ASAP

If you want to avoid major plumbing problems, fix minor plumbing problems ASAP. Little problems, like small leaks, can quickly become much bigger problems. The plumbing in your house is all connected, so a minor problem in one part of your house can lead to bigger problems elsewhere. Many of these minor fixes are cost-effective as well. If you wait for a big problem, it will be expensive to fix. This is especially true if you need emergency service. It may be tempting to put off smaller repairs, but quick, preventive maintenance can stop many plumbing nightmares from happening.

Keep Drains Clear

Perhaps the most common problem with plumbing is that the drains and pipes clog. You can avoid this by keeping drains clear and cleaning them out daily. Not only does this stop the restriction of water flow, but it also stops large clots from forming. Debris like hair can ball up into major clots if you let it accumulate, but clearing the drain clean every day ensures that there isn’t enough hair to create a clog.

Call Custom Mechanical at (877) 696-0808 to schedule plumbing services. It helps to have a skilled plumber on hand to help you with minor repairs and preventive maintenance.

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